Disclaimer: We are not necessarily suggesting a low sugar diet for anyone. Some people, though, have found it to be beneficial for certain issues. Others, however, have found that a fruit-based diet (which is often not low in sugar) is very powerful for detoxification and overall vitality.

Sugar is something that we require to an extent. Glucose, as well as other types of important sugars, are actually essential. Other essential sugars include polysaccharides which have powerful immune system and nervous system effects. These are often bitter, however, and do not contribute to issues related to sugar. They, rather, promote health in various ways. With that said, it is simple sugars and even some complex carbs (other than the essential sugars that have immunity effects etc.) that some people want to reduce in there diet for various reasons. Though we require glucose as a source of fuel, we don't necessarily have to consume sugary foods. We can actually metabolize it through other sources. Some people do very well eating mostly fat and protein as calorie sources without eating nearly any typical sugar sources. The fat and protein will eventually be broken down into glucose for fuel purposes. This is one way to reduce sugar intake, knowing that eating other calorie sources can turn to glucose eventually. Still, this does not entirely reduce cravings for sugar. For that, there are various strategies that actually work. Here they are:

1. Eat Fermented Foods that contain beneficial bacteria. This includes fermented vegetables such as kim chi and unpastuerized sauercraut. According to Donna Gates, who created the Body Ecology Diet, the beneficial bacteria in fermented foods helps to re-balance our digestive flora and naturally reduce cravings for sugar overtime. Well known herbalist Truth Calkins, who has followed a similar diet for many years, suggests that sour tasting foods like fermented vegebables and other raw unpastuerized fermented food sources oppose sugar cravings. Probiotics also fall into this category and can help. Another reason why they make it easier to reduce sugar intake is because beneficial bacteria naturally create serotonin and other feel-good chemicals and nutrients. When we have a lack of serotonin, we often feel like we need more sugar.

2. Eat Blue Green Algae, Spirulina, Chlorella, or Marine Phytoplankton if any of them work well with you. Blue Green Algae, in particular, has powerful neurotransmitter benefitting effects and high amounts of bio-available protein which is good for balancing brain function and blood-sugar. The other algae products also have powerful health effects and high amounts of protein. The protein in all of these can be used to create neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help to normalize our desire for sugar.3. Eat more polysaccharide - containing foods like Reishi Mushroom extract and Astragalus. These contain long chain sugars (polysaccharides), which fuel long term energy, as well as promote nervous system and immune system health. Eating these foods and herbs will likely allow you to more easily reduce other sugar sources because they increase wellbeing so effectively.

4. Do EFT on any cravings or emotional issues that contribute to eating unnecessary foods. This is a powerful process that can be learned easily and performed within minutes. Try it and see if it helps you.

Doing any of these will likely allow you to feel more emotionally and nutritionally balanced, which will translate into eating less of the foods that you don't want to eat.